Review Response:
Guest: *Facepalm myself* What the hell are you talking about? Did you read the prologue? Daein didn't win every battle, they lost five against Ylisse in the final siege. And you do realize that Daein is not the strongest nation, they'll get killed in every battle against the Laguz Alliance. Who worship them? The vessel states? That's the point of vessel states, they always worship their rulers only if they're treated right. Daein treated them right was due to them giving Daein a hard time in war. Einion almost died the last battle(didn't know why I told you. I was going to put a flashback in this soon) against Nilfgaard. I think there is something in last chapters was that Daein couldn't unleash their aerial terror upon the Nilfgaardian Empire due to elven archers Nilfgaard recruited along with their highly experienced crossbowmen. Yeah, I am going to put his flashbacks because you technically asked for it by giving me this crap at not even chapter 5.
Ummm... Didn't Tiberius struggle? He was mentally struggling like two halves are fighting each other due to stress of the idea of his brother being next instead of him. Speaking of friendship against divinity, you're right at one point but I'd talk to one of my friends whose uncle worked for Intelligent Systems, I put some of the ideas they were going to put in Fire Emblem RD like they were going to have Ike and Zelgius as brothers and Ike had a brand which resembles a hawk. Seriously, Ike was planned to be a branded of a hawk. They were just rushed.
Killing gods? Like who? Naga stated that she wasn't a god at all. Which means Grima isn't either. Ashunera is technically the only god in the Fire Emblem Lore. I heard that if Ike and friends were to fight Ashunera, Ashunera would just destroy them within a second. Like Ashunera could destroy Anankos, Grima, and Naga at once with a snap of a finger. It's because none of them were gods. It's because divine dragons were looked up to and worshipped. Even FE6, the final boss is a regular dragon and she wasn't a god. FE7 is a dragon and was worship like a god. Ashunera is technically 'God' in Fire Emblem.
Einion burned Ylisstol due to not because of he wanted to. Who wanted to raze Ylisse to the ground, read below. You clearly didn't read crap. It's also due to Ylisse jumping into a conflict between Ferox and Daein which Ferox started with raiding merchant ships and killing their sailors. Daein retaliated by sending an ambassador who is a Redanian sorcerer(From Witcher) who gave them a choice between peace or war. Ferox pretty much said war by giving Daein the decision. Male Robin killed one of Einion's friends which is why Einion delivers more damage to his corpse. There will be the answer why Einion became more violent towards Male Robin even though there is no excuse for it. It just happens to men back in medieval age. That's a reference of Hector and Achilles excluding the chariot. There was going to be suspense like who the hell is the shadow in Lucina's dream? Now you got me to reveal it at the end. And this is a sequeal to the unfinished stories like my Tellius story that I never finished and Einion's Journey that I never finished. You could tell that to the others who you just ruined for. I just got almost 100 PMs because of you. Thanks a lot. Not just FE fans but also fans of other series. I was even begged not to skip parts but now, I'm doing it.
Einion had no reaction of Lucina. He let her choose. The one speaking to Lucina wasn't Einion at all. Read the chapter again! Did I display Einion have horns or claws? I think I know my OC. Einion was forced to leave Ciri for a bit, he had to go to fight in a war. He didn't have a choice. Never turned Lucina into a sad person. It was something that turned her into it. Remember that this fanfic is a combination of other fandoms. There was one monster/demon that could manage to make anyone determined or not into a sad and violent person who will harm anyone including themselves. So, jokes on you since you said the summary is kinda misleading.
I give you this hint of what's lurking Lucina-
"Some men got good reasons to fear their own shadows as they feed on the individual's pain. They sap their host's pain indirectly, through inflicting suffering. Speaking in a voice only the victim hears, they drive them to commit acts of violence, aggression, and self-harm as well they will seize on their worst fears and weave out of them hideous visions, slowing driving the poor soul into madness"
That's what's haunting Lucina. It's a demon which infected Lucina for years which is like her shadow. I don't know why I spoil this crap for you. You could have waited until like Chapter 5 for it. Now I have to spoil this crap. They have the ability to make the bravest and the most determined individual into a pussycat who would hide in terror. If you played the game of what I got this from, you would know. Fucking had to spoil it for you in the end. Good job! Technically, you spoil this for everyone.
You already got the lord of the rings part. ASOIAF? Definitely not. Only one creature is from LOTR and Crimea has it. Daein doesn't. And I never read ASOIAF, I got it from Game of Thrones wikia. This is a flame dude. It's not even chapter 5 and you give me this crap. I understand your frustration but the point of this but the reason was due to I don't want to copy the darn game script which made me just did one thing about Corrin. Seriously, you should have waited. I wanted to do my own script and I followed what Intelligent Systems planned before which was Bryce did survive(Don't know if you know that, Bryce was going to survive but was cut, there was going to be imports like if Soren and Ike receives A in POR and Soren gets A rank with Micaiah, Soren gets a dialogue that will make him King and Ike returns to be one of his Great Rider). Sorry for what I'm doing but due to this, I'm skipping to after meeting Azura. Fucking have to give you answers of why this and how this. Seriously? Yes, you're basically flaming!
mattconly21: Sorry dude, apparently you guys had it coming. Not even in chapter 5 and I get this shit.
Sugouxxx: At least your review didn't piss me off like the other one. Could have waited and say like: I doubt Corrin will win. Robin and Chrom was facing a much stronger army and what actually influence that battle was Alexander against Dauis who had 500 thousand to 1 million persians in the Battle of Gaugamela. Alexander had only 40,000. It's not because they were weaker but it's because they were facing a veteran and battle harden highly professional army. No! Corrin is the savior, he will defeat Tiberius but the final villain... Probably. The final villain is not Tiberius but a powerful spirit who existed for a long time.
GuestWithIdeas: Well, I skip to this and forgive me that you might not like this chapter. Sorry, but you had it coming with the OC crap. I wasn't going to display Einion's past in this one but make a separate story but sorry, that review kinda pissed me off. Heck, I wasn't going to answer what was haunting Lucina but you had it coming. And the main antagonist of this fanfic is finally revealed. Don't get mad about my response to your earlier review because that was to show my frustration towards the review and I moderate it to read it. I was wondering if you read the part about game script. I didn't want to copy it which is why you could see I didn't put much effort into the Corrin getting the sword nor did I do the fight with Rinkah and Kaze. From 1 - 10 of how pissed off I was. I was actually 7 but oh well. It's over. You could have just waited.
People, due to the review of unsatisfaction, I present you a Time Skip to Corrin arriving to Hoshido! And there will be no My-Castle!
Whoever you are, you know who you are.
Hoshido, Castle Shirasagi, day later
Corrin felt like a prisoner now after he was captured by the Hoshidans. What happened was unacceptable as it was started with Hans attacking the Hoshidans, provoking them into battle. He thought he was going to die due to number advantage. After the battle...
A/N: Ah... You know what happened. The only change is there is no my-castle. Now for the real chapter which was supposed to be chapter 4... No display to Hoshido reunion for Corrin. Sorry! I'll give you this chapter which I know you are not going to be pleased because of how pissed off I was. I can't wait to receive more flames! And so you know, I copy and paste a lot of parts from the old version. Lucius will appear.
Chapter 2: The Shadow of Tiberius
Nilfgaard
War is approaching as army of 20,000 Nilfgaardian troops exiting out the capital. Brutes and knights exiting out along with their wyverns and griffrons. They're putting a coalition under Tiberius behalf along with armies of Redania, Termeria, and the Skellige Island. Where they're going is thought to be Hoshido and Nohr but Honorius knows it's not but somewhere in between. He knows the person leading the coalition is one of Nilfgaard's great generals, Frederick de Watte.
Lehran is speaking to Honorius of a news that Honorius summoned him. It's about something with war and Honorius speaks, "Everything I tried, they wanted war. There is nothing I nor can my grandmother stop it."
"Yes I know. And I feel we'll be watched. By a spirit long ago," Lehran replies.
Honorius could feel it too. It is a spirit of madness as he could feel someone or something lurking, "Yes... This spirit tried to tame me one time. A spirit of the old king tries to make offers. Many men spoke of they were offered in greed of a war against Hoshido and Nohr. And Valla. I know my cousin, Tiberius will not stop until he sees Publius killed."
"Why now? What do you know, child?" Lehran asks.
"There is a rumor of Tiberius' spirit was split in two. The light was imprisoned somewhere while his dark side grows strong. Some say he was tempted with madness and anger. I may not like Tiberius but he's family and if killing Publius will bring Tiberius to normal. It might be best for it." Honorius replies.
"But why? What became of Tiberius and his spirit?" Lehran asks.
"Spies of Nilfgaard and Redania have spoken of an alliance between the Drogoth the Dragon Lord in Valla and Tiberius. You remember Drogoth, the one who cause Anankos to split in two? There's another alliance, a hostile one between Anankos and a Shadow of Tiberius." Honorius had heard of a Dragon Anankos. Called himself a god but he was nothing but a normal dragon who was created during the time of Yune and Ashnera were one again.
"The Shadow of Tiberius? Are you sure of this?"
"Soldiers of Daein, Nilfgaard, Redania, Kaedwin, and other vessel states were seen gathering in Valla. Forces of Crimea, Begnion, and Grann also venter there. Some say that the shadow spoke in their minds or was it Tiberius ordering them to? They planned of an invasion. I might believe Radovid might been influenced as he did resurrected the Salamandra. Experiments and monsters were also there, monsters that were banished from these lands by Einion. Flesh eating monsters... Drowners, ghouls, fiends, harpies, trolls, cyclopes, and giants. They fight for Tiberius army. I had a feeling Caranthir is there to open the portal of the banished realm to the world again. Armored hounds are there as well along with feral laguz," Honorius knows of an information that was retained from his spies.
"Feral laguz? Mutants? Are you sure of this?" Lehran asks.
"Yes," Honorius replies, "Great war machines lurks in his military strategy. My cousin is a fool but I have to know how to break this spell. If Publius death wouldn't break it, I might fail yet I can't risk a family death. Lehran, I beg of you. The Shadow is not what he seem. He was described to be a humanoid shape on a giant wyvern as big as two tall towers. Some said his power could exceed to rival even Ashera in the books. Find a way to break the spell of my cousin. I, however, will deal with Lucius for this. He's the reason why my men are going to war while the others are in Hyrule."
"I see," Lehran held his golden staff, "I will try my best, my child."
"Thank you, gramps. As the most powerful magic user, you should be able to break any spell." Honorius admired his ancestor with a smile.
"I'll try but if this spirit is as powerful I feel it is. It will be hard to break it," Lehran answers.
"There is another. My spies told me of Tiberius resurrected one of Daein's reckless commanders. Brutus, the son of Lucius, back from the dead. They told me that it seems Brutus was never dead but unconscious for days. It is said that Brutus granted a power of death. He grows stronger every time he sucks on souls and his power continuously grow little by little. He became a new retainer of Tiberius. Many says that his strength and anger is powerful than of Guoliang." Honorius replies.
"I see," Lehran has his hand on his chin and continues, "I must report this to the United Tellius Council. I had one of my proteges in Valla and he never return. I must tend to him first."
"If the United Tellius Council intervene. Contact me and I will force the fools to return. And Lucius, I shall see that justice shall be served... Against him. Justice killed by justice shall be writing in books." Honorius says.
Nohr, Windmire
A civil strike hit the capital as unknown opponents of Nohr, the Salamandra, have created a riot in Nohr that soldiers of Nohr were being ambushed or being attack from all sides.
Salamandra, criminal organization with mysterious members that wears a symbol badge depicting a salamander, the fire lizard, usually tattooed on their heads or sometimes elsewhere. Trained from ordinary lackeys to brute assassins as well as mages among their ranks. To Nohr, they never heard of Salamandra but they know of the criminal activities within.
Xander and the royals battled them for hours. The Salamandra don't seem disciplined but there are dangerous with weapons of terror like their swords are spiked and are illegal to most places but Daein. Salamandra armor are usually just plain body armor with not leg or arm protection. Their
Louis Grant, a man who looks like a commander. He doesn't look like he wears any of the Salamandra outfit but black armor with the Black Sun logo on his plate armor. A Nilfgaardian for sure, he joined the Salamandra recently to observe. He is a young man, muscular build and tall. He wields a terrifying mace with the end of his handle like a spear. He is tinted brown and his hair is black and short.
Louis could see the Salamandra losing as he turned to some of the members not fighting. He says in a Nilfgaardian language, "Ceega gudua... Itken ingomte Nifgeerdi"
What he said translated to 'Send word... message to Nilfgaard."
The other Salamandras nodded then turn their heads to hear swords clanking against each other. They see Inigo effortlessly killing individuals one by one while the others are fighting against the Nohrian guards.
Louis growls then look at the remaining men on their horses, "Go!"
The Salamandra horsemen gallop away as Louis point towards two members, "Har! Cu leis." meaning 'You! Come with me.'
Louis lead the two individuals to follow him, towards where Inigo is located and hid the two members for an ambush.
Inigo finishes cutting down a Salamandra lackey before he spotting Louis who looks unamazed at him, approaching him with his mace. Inigo went on guard, slowly approaching and approaching. He could feel the breath coming from both sides and as he got close enough, two Salamandra lackeys came out and went to slash their swords at Inigo.
Inigo reacted quickly, blocking their attack and slash across one lackey's iron armor. They fight with brute strength and Inigo have his left arm up to block the other lackey by the forearm and slash his sword upward before he saw Louis charges in, smashing his mace down at Inigo.
Inigo jumps back then swing his sword, miss by inches as Louis steps back. Inigo have his sword behind him, blocking Salamandra lacky that came in from a battle with a Nohrian soldier. Inigo swings his sword across, manage to take the lacky out of the fight before Louis swing his mace across at Inigo.
Inigo manages to block the Nilfgaardian commander and swing his mace out of Louis hands, disarming him which caught Louis by surprise. Inigo find the perfect moment to plunge his silver sword into Louis.
Louis sidesteps out of the way, dodging the sword plunge from Inigo and grab the blade around his arm. Inigo eyes widen as if he recognize the style of fighting. It seems a basic Daein fighting style but seems more advanced as Inigo tries to pull his sword out but wouldn't budge.
Inigo looks at Louis who display a smirk and Inigo could see that he underestimated his opponent. Louis grab Inigo with his left hand while his right arm wrap around the blade, manage to disarm Inigo and throws Inigo to the stone house.
Inigo groans in pain then Louis walk and grabs Inigo ago, pick him up and throws the dancer against a wooden pillar, resulting a former Ylissean to see that he met his match. Inigo watches Louis went for a front kick. Inigo intercept his kick and tries to lift the leg up but he couldn't as it must have weigh over the limit he could carry.
Inigo pushes Louis back, forcing the Nilfgaardian soldier to fall back another wooden pillar. Inigo leaps forward and punches the Nilfgaardian in the face but it was a weak punch that the Nilfgaardian just grab Inigo and delivers a punch of his own.
Inigo spun around from the punch and some blood gushed out from his mouth and Louis wrap his arms around from behind, crushing the dancer before Inigo elbow him, forcing the Nilfgaardian to let go.
Inigo draw his sword and slash across the Nilfgaardian armor, manage to cut some flesh of him. Inigo went to strike the Nilfgaardian down but Louis grab Inigo's hand that carries the sword. Louis pull his arm back and went for a right hook at Inigo, forcing Inigo to spin around and back to a wooden pillar. Louis grabs Inigo again and throws him across at two Salamandra lackeys who were fighting Xander and the Nohrians.
As Ingo was fighting, Louis walk towards the stables and escape on a horse.
Hoshido, Castle Shirasagi, 5 days later
Lucius' army had arrived from the west with his army of 28,000 to a land unknown to them. Their ship had crashed and he had lost 2,000 men from constant stravation, exhaustion, and bandit attacks. Constantly running away and moving to a new land and there they got to outside of the Hoshido capital.
"Legion! We stop." Lucius, who was on his armored horse, shouted and held his hand up to signal to halt when he see a beautiful city that looks like they are repairing the gate.
"What you think General?" 1 of the 5 Praven Dragonknights captains asked for a strategy. Each captain leads a force of 20 Dragonknight cavalry, heavily armored and rumored to be the most powerful cavalry in Tellius and even rival with Crimea's cavalry. The captains are Vitallion, Lambert, Geralt, Eskel, and his niece Lucia as they follow Lucius far aay from home.
Lucius look at the city, knowing that they are undetected, ask, "What is our current condition?"
"28,000 soldiers. 50 griffons, 100 wyverns, 30,000 bows, and crossbows altogether. Horses are thirsty and near exhaustion."
"Yes," Lucius said with a sigh as he already knew.
"If we gonna have a chance, we need to take them as soon as possible." Viiallion stated.
Lucius look at the castle then look back to the carriage that was carrying Publius. Lucius dismount and walk to the carriage, have Falko to open the door to see his master.
Lucius watch his master sleeping peacefully, but he needs to wake him up to tell him his next action. Lucius put his hand on his young master head which results in a quick reaction from the young master, "Lucius."
Ok, Publius wasn't sleeping, he was awake but trying to take a nap.
"Lucius," the boy run his hands around the free space, trying to find someone with his hands. Why couldn't the boy see Lucius next to him? The young master was blind due to the poison his brother mixed with the eye medicine.
"I'm here." Lucius held on to his blind master's hand, signals Publius that he's here with him.
"Falko told me that you are going to take the city." Publius said on his bed.
"Yes, but their captain is very weak and he doesn't look too bright," Lucius said with confidence as he held his hand out to Falko who handed him a water bag to give his young master water, "Let's have a drink."
Why did Lucius say bad things about the Hoshido captain? It's because he found a strategy for them.
After the boy drinks the water, he spoke, "I'll wait for your good news when you return."
"We're at a new city, a place to rest," Lucius reply before he pats his master and wish his a good rest.
Lucius walk away from the carriage and told his strategy to his troops.
30 minutes later
Drums were beating and alarmed the whole city to signal an invasion. The Hoshido warriors led by Ryoma went on to the walls and watch the cavalry assault towards their defensive castle.
Ryoma look at Saizou, the red hair ninja, and ask, "Have you or any of your fellow ninjas see them before?"
"No, are they Nohrians, Corrin?" Saizou asks out of curiosity.
"I never seen them before. They had a same color of armor but the banner is different." Corrin answers.
"Same color of armor but a different banner. Nohrian or not. Fire at will!" Ryoma shouted the order, just to give a warning shot to the upcoming cavalry led by Lucius.
"Wait!" Corrin plead.
The Hoshido archers release their arrows and miss the upcoming Daein cavalry of Kataphrakts and Dragonknights by an inch away from hitting them and their armored horses.
"Retreat!" Lucius shouted and the Daein cavalry pulls back, turning their tails between their legs.
"Useless cowards. Ryoma, let me take our cavalry to chase them!" an Hoshido captain suggest.
"Are you sure you could do this? This is odd for them to retreat quickly, this is their tactic." Ryoma replied but the Hoshido captain was stubborn and argue with his superior, "But my prince, they will return. Just give me the cavalry and I could slaughter them all!"
The men shouted and Ryoma could see the men agree with the captain. Ryoma nodded and the captain begin to lead at least 500 horsemen to follow their slower and armored opponents.
'It worked,' Lucius thought as he looks back at the Hoshido cavalry is coming close and he signal his men to get their horses to gallop a little faster before they get caught.
"They run?" the Hoshido captain was confused as he pulls out his steel katana.
Lucius held his arm up to signal the next phase of his strategy. The Daein cavalry begins to beat the drums.
Lucius plan worked as a rope was pulled out from the dirt and begin to knock the captain and most of the Hoshido cavalrymen off their horses. That blew the whole castle mind as they witness one of the dirtiest tactics ever to be implied on a battlefield. Another rope was pulled up from the ground and knocked another charging cavalrymen, another rope, and another.
As every Hoshido cavalry are knock off from their horses, a different beat from the Daein drums was heard. The beat signal the Daein forces to rise up from the shallow layer of dirt and mud to surround the Hoshido dismounted cavalry.
The Daein forces rush to the Hoshido cavalrymen and point their weapons at them. Lucius led his cavalry back and drew his Caladbolg to point at the Hoshido captain and the rest.
Caladbolg is a national treasure of Daein, given to Edward, one of the Dawn Bridgade 600 years ago and now is passed down to Lucius.
"Stay down!" One of the captains shouts at their opponents as they trying to back away.
"Stay down." Another shout.
"What a dirty trick! We don't have enough men to defend now," one of the soldiers was a lack of confidence until Ryoma bolster it when he pull out his blade and shout, "I want 6 of soldiers to come with me. Archers on the walls, beat the drums, and banners to place on the walls! Do so and you'll survive!"
The Hoshidan warriors found confidence once again and rush to execute their military figurehead strategy.
At the Daein side, Lucius begin to signal a full frontal assault towards the gate, "Take it!"
"Beat the drums!" A Hoshido samurai shouted and the drums begin to beat. Everyone in the castle held onto a banner while kneeling on the wall. That put a lot of fear into the charging Daein invaders as they begin to think that they are actually outnumbered by a lot. He could see the Hoshido pegasus warriors along with Hinoka flying above the castle to ready for their griffon warriors. The Hoshido archers were on the walls to ready their arrows and lancers were at the gates to form a phalanx at the gate.
Lucius held his hand up when he sees Ryoma and six swordsmasters walk out of the city in a formal approach. Most of the Hoshidos believed it is supposed to be a scare tactic but instead, it was to translate 'We talk or we fight'. "Halt!"
"That scared them! Counterattack!" The archers were about to fire until seeing Ryoma and his bodyguards were insight.
Lucius dismount his horse along with captains who were not only trained Praven Dragonknights but also Praven Vanguards. They could see there are some culture similarities between Daein and Hoshido but not really. What's similar is the some armor being worn but different colors, they both have a ninja clan in their nation, and some foods are similar.
Both Lucius and Ryoma walk towards each other, tell their respectful men to stay put behind them as the two strong generals are planning to negotiate terms.
Lucius was still holding Caladbolg and begin to introduce himself, "I am Lucius, Commanding General. 10th Praven Legion, Daein Empire."
Had Corrin heard right? Daein Empire? So the myths were true after all. Lucina and Marks try their best to not to go out and attack the Daeinians.
"Ryoma, Prince of the Kingdom of Hoshido. General, is there any way we don't fight?" Lucius begin to listen to Ryoma terms as the Hoshido prince continues, "Return our people and soldiers. You go elsewhere." The direction that Ryoma point was towards Nohr.
"No," Lucius reply as he hit his armor with Caladbolg, point his weapon to the city and continue speaking. "We go there."
Ryoma did not like the term, Lucius and the Daein army was nothing but strangers. Even Ryoma is honorable, he never knew the Daein army was crippling from starvation and exhaustion. If he knew, then he would have accepted.
"No." Ryoma ended the term as Lucius nodded his head and prepare for combat. Ryoma grabs his sheathe and pull out his blue lightning sword and threw his sheathe with it. One of the Trueblades caught the sheathe and the two generals begin to get into their fighting stance, daring each other to attack first. The prisoners that Daein capture watches with worry, not knowing what fighting capability Lucius process in his talent and ability.
Lucius attack first with a lunge and slashes that were block by Ryoma. The first attack caught Ryoma by surprise as he could witness that Lucius is not just skilled but he's also pretty quick. Ryoma plan was to use Lucius energy to drain as he continues blocking.
Ryoma went to block his right side that he thought Lucius was going to strike, but Lucius came in and shove his entire arm, using his legs and core strength for power, at Ryoma with an amount of explosion power. Ryoma backed up and was shoved again with the same move.
Ryoma almost fell and held himself up with his katana stab to the ground behind him. Ryoma quickly pulls his blade back in front to see that he just left himself wide open. Lucius came in with great speed and power slash down his Caladbolg at Ryoma.
The strike surprised Ryoma as the strike did slash part of his face when Lucius strike overpowers his block. Ok, Lucius is not just quick and skilled but he has a strength of a powerlifter.
Lucius strikes again aggressively and since Ryoma finally knows what he's up against, he decides to give some strikes back at Lucius that begin to even out the playing field. Ryoma almost caught himself off guard when Lucius spun with his sword and went to attack each side.
After the third attempt to hit Ryoma, Lucius sword was connected with Ryoma's katana and was pushed to Lucius's right. Ryoma's move got him little off balance as his shoulder connected with Lucius'.
Lucius used his left and back smack Ryoma, giving Ryoma a slight pain from the spikes from the knuckles of the crafty Daein gauntlets that every Daein soldier including militias wear.
Ryoma took the pain and got Lucius helmet with his katana, it did burn some of Lucius' face but didn't kill him due to the short distance and not enough power generated. Lucius backed away a few inches and both generals rub their face slightly and quickly. Ryoma cheek is bleeding and Lucius' face is burning with little pain.
Ryoma put his hand together to show respect to his opponent as Lucius show respect by pat on his chest armor and nod his head. Ryoma then looks at the Daein army to see soldiers were falling to the ground, some on from their horses, griffon, and on foot.
Ryoma looks with pity until he saw Lucius came in and went for another power strike down to the head. Ryoma side steps and slash his opponent sword to the ground and went for the body but Lucius quickly held his sword in time to block downwards and push Ryoma weapon back and went to slash his opponent but was blocked in time. The two begin fighting furiously again with strikes, blocks, and lunges.
Ryoma became more aggressive in his style as Lucius went defense and backed off as he was blocking every attack. Ryoma strikes were relied on speed and functional strength. After the last strike, Ryoma spun around and went for a stab to Lucius's stomach. Lucius turned his body towards his left side, only for the katana miss its mark and leave Ryoma wide open again.
Lucius swing his Caladbolg across Ryoma chest armor. Luckily, the swing didn't cut through the armor but scratch it. If Ryoma came a little bit closer, that swing could have finish Ryoma off or even kill him.
Ryoma back off in surprise that he still have a lot to learn from his opponent.
Near the carriage, Falko begins to speak to his blind master while eating a loaf of bread, "General Lucius is fighting like his ancestor, Gawain, today. I don't think there is a man alive that can stand against our great General."
The master smiles and confident that the battle is victory with certain.
Back to the battle, Lucius change sword hands and got a hold of Ryoma sword hand with his right. While holding onto Ryoma hand, Lucius turn his back and went to stab Ryoma.
Ryoma lifts his leg up to block by the arm and Lucius turn back to face his opponent. Lucius went for a lunge towards the face and Ryoma dodge after his right hand broke off of Lucius' grip.
Ryoma went back to defense as Lucius unleash more attacks. Lucius left hand grabs Ryoma's left arm to pull Ryoma to the ground. When Ryoma refused to go down, Lucius give a punishing hard punch to the head down to the ground.
Lucius went to strike Ryoma but missed when Ryoma roll out of the way and got back on his feet. Lucius and Ryoma went at it again as they exchange strikes at each other, Lucius grab hold of Ryoma left arm and went to slash at Ryoma side but was met with Ryoma katana. Lucius give Ryoma an elbow to the side and went to strike but was intercepted by Ryoma arm.
Ryoma then did a rolling judo toss that threw Lucius over and that got all of Hoshido cheering.
Lucius got up and start panting desperately for air and dare Ryoma to attack this time.
Ryoma didn't take it and continue to go on defense, knowing that Lucius might have something up his sleeves.
"Look! Dust storm!" One of the Hoshido swordsmasters pointed and everyone including the Daein army.
Ryoma looks at the panicking Daein army and the dust storm then back to the aggressive attacking Lucius who wish to end the duel with a win. The fighting continues and both went grabbing each other sword hands and begin to push their swords into one another, trying to end the duel but it turns out Lucius was lacking strength this time and it seem equally match.
Falko came out of the carriage with the faint blind master who show no sign of movement, "General!"
Falko ran behind the Daein captains who begin to mourn for their master.
The two generals got out of their strength test and the two were separated. Lucius went to try to be the aggressor again but Ryoma held his hand up and shout, "Hey. Wait."
Lucius didn't listen as Ryoma back up with his hand still holding up, "Stop."
"What?" Lucius said with frustration and confusion. For a person so tired, he could still move like if he was fresh.
"Listen to me."
Lucius stop and begin to listen as Ryoma say, "Sandstorm is coming. Let us stop fighting."
Ryoma points to the ground and continues, "Drop your weapon. I'll let you in... or... we bury here together"
Ryoma points at the mourning Falko and said, "The boy too."
Lucius doesn't seem to trust until Ryoma offers to put his weapon down first. Lucius answer by making a request, "We need food and water for my men. Medicine for the child."
Lucius then place his weapon next to Ryoma's and continue, "And I need a place to think."
Ylisstol, 400 years ago
"Well, we know what Lanvega will do. You'll raze this entire city to the ground, won't you?" Einion looks at Lanvega as he passed him to his war tent.
"If we don't, your majesty. Many will look to the city as a rallying point in the future. It will be hard enough for us to capture as it is. The men don't want to do that all over again nor do your other commanders," Lanvega replies as he follows Einion to the war tent with all other generals and commanders in it.
Siegfried de Lowe, a Grand Master of the Order of the Flaming Rose, speak against razing the city to the ground, "They say Ylisstol is a city of religion. Rumors says that the city itself is of great significance to everyone in the continent."
"All the more reason to burn it down," Huojin jumps in, he too, is in favor of razing the city to the ground.
"What happen to freedom of religion?" Siegfried asks, questioning the other generals who are in vote of whether to raze it or leave it and just kill everyone.
The question didn't go well to Lanvega as he went close to Siegfried's face and speak in harsh yet low tone, "If this was Redania who attack us. We would have burn Tretogor, your capital. We wouldn't let you get away with this."
"I say we burn Ylisstol to the ground. Make them start from scratch. Demolish every houses, walls, and temples. Loot everything you see." General Peter Saar Gwynleve is in favor of burning Ylisstol to the ground.
"I am no savage but I'm afraid burning the city down makes everything easier for us. I believe in freedom and mercy to our enemies but as others said, Ylisse broke international law of engagement. Ylisse had no right to side with either and yet they sided with Ferox." Vernon Roche, the leader of Temeria special forces, the Blue Stripes, says in a serious tone.
Einion has his hand on his chin then turn to Priam, his best friend and future brother-in-law, "Priam... What say you? What's your vote on it?"
"I abstain from voting. It's obvious that almost everyone here are in favor of burning the city to the ground. It's a lose situation if any of us are against it." Priam stated, giving his reasons. He neither support nor against the idea of burning down the city.
Einion looks around and look at his other generals, "Are you all sure that burning the city to the ground is what you all want?"
Tauroneo supports burning the city to the ground and says, "They understand fear. We must unleash a reign of terror so brutal that we could force everyone including Plegia begging for mercy. I say do it and grant them no mercy."
The majority of them nodded in agreement, wanting to put them in their place. They don't mean genocide but they mean kill the majority of the population then leave with all their resources. Make them start over of what they built years ago.
Einion nodded then look at Priam and says, "Prepare the army, we will attack them at daybreak."
Plegia
"This is not Einion!" Reflet gasp as he looks down at the ground to see a man with slanted eyes, high cheek bones, and yellow color skin lying to the ground with a throat cut by Reflet's levin sword. There was a battle between Daein and Plegia and it ended with Reflet mistakenly fight and kill 'Einion' due to his sword and armor.
The crowd gasped when Reflet removed the helmet. They never expected Einion to be beaten easily nor did they expected Einion to be damaged by the levin sword. The person who people thought was Einion is none other than Huojin himself.
Huojin groans in agony and people such as Morvran and others widen their eyes and look with sorrow. How they could have mistaken their leader not Einion is unknown to them as Einion is obviously still in a war camp behind the Daein army.
Reflet gasp chokingly and pant in guilt and deep sorrow. Not only had he failed to identify the commander but he now know this will awaken the wrath of the grandson of Ashnard. There is no time to get the healer as the wound seems too deep to heal. Watching the dying man lying the ground, suffering with blood choking him.
Reflet could have killed him right away but there is something in him that told him not to. Huojin was responsible for the downfall of Ylisse and the starvation of thousands of Ylisseans by building a wall around Ylisstol, killing Stahl in battle, and unleash terror and crime against the Ylisseans. Unable to hear anymore suffering to a slow death, Reflet raised his sword and plunge down at the dying Huojin, ending the Kuei Ryu native suffering.
Reflet looks down and pant in regret. He pulls his sword out, leaving the Daein army along with its vessel states to silence. Morvran approaches the dying retainer of Einion and Reflet states, "Enough for one day."
Morvran nods his head and replies softly, "Yes."
Morvran look back at the army and shout, "Back to camp!"
"Back to camp!" a Nilfgaardian officer shouts.
Morvran walks towards Huojin and spoke to Reflet, "That was his good friend. He was promised to safely return to Daein. Wife and children were promised he returns alive."
Reflet nodded as a Plegian officer shout, "To the city!"
Einion's Camp
"Einion!" Morvran calls Einion from his tent and to prepare what awaits later.
Einion exited the tent and see that the army were in battle earlier and see blood on their armor. He looks displeased and states, "You violated my orders."
They were ordered to stand down until his Nico comes with reinforcements. With both grandsons of the Mad King together, it's a certain victory as Nico is coming from Valm to destroy a rebellion in Chon'sin.
"No, Einion," Morvran shook his head, "There was a mistake."
"A mistake? I ordered us to wait for our reinforcements from Valm. You led them into combat!" Einion is about to strike with his open hand as Morvran kneel down before him. Not bowing or to show respect but sorrow.
Morvran replies, "I didn't lead them sir... We thought you did."
Einion's eyes narrows as he looks around to see one person missing, "Where's Huojin?"
Morvran look down as Einion look around, "Huojin!"
"We thought he was you, Einion. He wore your armor, your sword, your helmet, your greaves. He even moves like you," Morvran replies before Einion strike him down, demanding answer from the Nilfgaardian nobleman, "Where is he!?"
The strike from Einion is like getting pawed by a lion as Morvran's face gush out blood from his nose and mouth. His face hit the ground, only resulted the soldiers and a lady who came with them, the Baroness Mary Louisa La Valette, who came with her son Aryan to ensure his safety. She is also a love interest of the Nifgaardian nobleman as she rush in front of the soldiers who wouldn't dare to intervene in this.
Morvran turn his head to Einion, fear install into him. He never seen Einion like this since the last battle between Daein and Nilfgaard when Daein was almost in a full retreat. Nilfgaard almost won that final battle and the war. He look into the eyes of wrath itself and Einion yell, "Where!"
"He's dead, Einion," Morvran answers, "Reflet cut his throat."
This has now push Einion to the limit of his rage, anger, and he loses all sense of reason. He promised his friend's family that he would return. He promise to support his family with plunder of gold and jewels. He promised and now it seemingly he had broken his promise as he taken most of his rage and anger upon Morvran, set his foot to step on the Nilfgaardian throat.
Morvran is grunting as Einion chokes him to death. He felt his air supply is cutting off and his trachea is about to separate. Blood coming out of Morvran's mouth and nobody dared to help him except for the baroness who rush over and plead, "Stop! Don't!"
As the baroness got to them, she finally knows why nobody jumped in as Einion turn his attention to her. Einion grabs her throat, crushing it with a strength of an angry lion. He was a reasonable prince now turned into a monstrous beast that was born within him. An anger of a dragon shows his canines as reason within him was nowhere to be found. His gentleness towards his subjects is now replaced with hatred and a vengeful look in his eyes. There was fury as the baroness tries to pry his hand off her but instead she was thrown to the ground, gasping for air.
Einion lifts his foot off Morvran's throat and walk past them, stalking away before he sees his sword, Galahad, on the ground. He grab it and walk past the men who separated from each other and make way for him.
Nevassa, After the Daein-Ylissean War
"I am sorry for your loss," Ciri spoke to Einion who is sitting on a chair with his hand on his head. His grief is still great yet he had avenged his friend's death. It may had satisfied him a bit but there is something missing in him. Something that had been tear apart from him. There are alone in a room as Einion had order everyone to leave him alone but only one person manage to comfort him. He was furious but was calm when she stated she wanted to talk about what happened.
Einion looks up at Ciri who had attended the funeral of Huojin. She was wearing formal black royal robes and a red cape around her. She is beautiful, young, and a woman to be loved. Many men wanted her for her royal status and her appearance. Only some resisted and Einion was one of them. Ciri considered Einion as her rival and teacher in swordsmanship, magic, and politics. To Einion, she's just a student, a pup who needs basic skills as a future ruler. Something in him had calm him down when he is with her, many fights and duels between them in a Daein and Nilfgaard War.
Yes, she managed to defeat him once but she could never kill him. Her sword couldn't penetrate his flesh. She thought of him as an immortal being until the last battle when a arrow stuck him, through the horses flesh and armor that pierced Einion's armor and punctured his skin. Something must have blessed the arrows to injure him, almost killed him. It was the responsibility of his brother and political enemy, Nico, who felt jealous at Einion. Before, Einion was captured by Plegia in Daein and that gave Nico the title as the High Prince but when Einion returned, Nico was enraged. Now they are both on good terms after Einion's effort to repair his relationship with his brother and family.
"It was nothing," Einion never gave her eye contact.
"No," Ciri snap, "Something is wrong with you. I could see it in your eyes. You may be still at grief but there is something more. You are very calm around me while toward the others, you are furious towards them. How long will you keep this up? I don't get you now."
Einion looks at her furious eyes and sighs, "Yes, something is wrong with me. I feel that something has been torn away from me. When I brought Huojin with me to Ylisse, I promised him plunder and safe return. I promised him that I would give him the highest honor as my friend. Now I could hear my friend's wife cry and cry in despair. Not a million pieces of gold could satisfy the family. He was worth more than that. A lot more. "
"Is that all?" The ashen haired woman asks, believing that it's not everything.
"No," Einion answers and starting to open up, "It's right now I feel my heart, two sides are fighting. Two people..."
Einion stood up and walk past her without finishing.
"Do you love Lucina," Ciri asks, trying to figure if Lucina is one of the two people.
Einion stops, was close to opening the door out of his room. He turned slowly and replies, "I thought I love her. It was attraction between two people. I only knew her of her title and what such. Truth is, I was in love with her future self but it appears that it was not love. It was a mutual attraction. I was interest in her due to her fighting style and such but I never knew her well. We get in fights all the time. I warned her the consequence of Ylisse jumping into the conflict but she wouldn't listen. It was then I knew, I never loved her and yet she is fighting another in my heart."
"Who is it? I wonder who it is." Ciri has her hand over her chin, looking up to the Daein High Prince.
Einion admit defeat to her. He knows he's better than this. In terms of sovereignty, he's above her in society. Rank, strength, wisdom, everything but how can he tell her without making any sort of conflict again. With a nation that almost won a war against his nation. He was expected to marry and love another from a different nation for foreign relation.
"This may be somewhat a pleasant surprise but the other woman won. She pierced through my skin and flesh long ago. Everything I did was to get to know a woman and now I know what love truly is. I taught you almost everything I know," Einion replies with a slight blush on his face.
"Einion? You mean..." Ciri's face turned red as a tomato.
"The woman who claimed victory is you. You've defeated me with your recklessness, your sharp tongue, and your toughness. There are more than enough I have to say for you." Einion confessed his feelings. One of the first times he ever did with love.
"I don't know..." Ciri begins to have doubts about it.
Einion sigh and replies, "I know at first we were enemies then it transformed into a teacher-student relationship. I know it hasn't been a year yet but as I get to know you, I don't want to call you my student or friend anymore. I want to call you my first love. You are having doubts of this quick relationship, aren't you?"
"Yes," Ciri nodded, "Through you aren't my first love but you are definitely something else. You've brought peace to Nilfgaard even you killed hundreds of thousands but you transformed it into a nation of prosperity and knowledge. You taught me, trained me, speak to me like a friend even if I see you as my worst enemy. You may be a ruthless leader but I've seen your good side. Kind, just, courageous, charismatic, and wise. I'd liked you for a long time now. I accept your proposal."
"Thank you," Einion replies, leaning his head down and give her something that both had been waiting for a long time. Her lips is sweet and welcoming to him as the kiss was cut short and Ciri had conquered and triumph over him.
"What shall I do then? Leave Nilfgaard?" Ciri asks, worry about any power-hungry noblemen might be able to usurp the throne and wage war everywhere.
"No," Einion replies, "I shall rule alongside with you. I may not be a great choice as a husband to you but I swear to Ashunera, I will do my best to bring you happiness for I will mostly be demanded back to the Daeinian Court to be part off. Our lives depends on it."
"I know, I sense stories will be made up in our honor. A relationship of a dragon and a lion cub." Ciri pulls him to another kiss. There may be a age difference between them but it doesn't matter to them. They're both immortal. Ciri with a blood of an elf and Einion as a dragon.
15 years ago(Weeks before Corrin's kidnapping), Dol Goldmar
Tiberius have his hands on his head, feeling that two sides of his spirit fighting for dominance and control over his body. Voices speaking in his head about something. It's a voice of the past but it's something he wouldn't believe. The spiritual struggles in him started when his brother Publius was born.
Why do you resist? Welcome me in and I shall grant you your wish.
"Who are you? What is this? A hym?" Tiberius knows of a demon that will haunt the lives of any individuals. A parasite it acts like but this one is different as if it doesn't act like one either. And a hym isn't what it seems in front of him. In front of him is a man in the shadow with no physical body. He is a spirit that is. Why would a hym haunt him if he never committed grave crimes nor was he very emotional. There was no sign of hideous visions so what is it?
A hym? No... I am someone who shares your view, your anger, your jealousy. I am a man who shall help change the world. Ever heard of the words: No matter what strength a person has, it is the station he is born into that controls his destiny.
Tiberius calm his thoughts and nodded. He answers, "Yes... It is the quote of the Mad King Ashnard. The man who was the first who ever stand up to the Begnion Empire, single-handedly defeating a 1 million army with just 20 thousand men. Ashnard, the man, who created the meritocracy government of Daein. Because of him, Daein military was feared throughout the lands."
Muhahaha! Good! Let me explain this. Use your strength to remake this world. The way of the Begnion society was wrong. A person born in a low-rank society will always endure hardships while the spoil rich will stay in their family rank. Enslave the laguz for their own grudge and greed. But from the ashes of wisdom of destruction and wrath, the Daein army in their final stand was able to withstand forces from all side. 30,000 Daeinians, both laguz and beorc who obtained Daein citizenship, final stand against half a million beorc and laguz combined. I created a military force so powerful that not even history Walhart of Valm could last in a week with a philosophy of strength. I chose to pass my knowledge to only one son who shared my influence to Begnion and Crimea. A new empire was created back then and I created a legacy so resilient that more still fear. My last step as I had created a legacy of a powerful military philosophy that only Daein had managed to fully understand as every decade, weapons of destruction was made yet Soren never used it to conquer the world. Soren created the weapons of fire and destruction and terror. Einion created weapons to repel enemies with their own weapons and reform the Daein military with mixing foreign martial arts with it own. Nico created a weapon to weaken enemy forces.
"What do you know? Who are you? A man who passed his full knowledge to only one... Is that one... Soren? The others... It's Pelleas of Crimea and Lancelot of Begnion. Soren's brothers. Are you..."
Valla, Stone Fortress(Current)
"You don't understand Lekrin. They are waiting, the Valla dragon and the One. They're in league. Hurry, we must hurry!" A Begnion archsage who was a protege of Lehran. He is known to be called Lekrin, one of the oldest dragon laguz who is starting with magic. The prisoner he's helping escape was none other than Garon who was taken prisoner, attacked by Anankos and now is a prisoner by Daein.
Garon was badly treated and he was leading Lekrin exit out of a stone fortress. It was dark and filled with a stench of evil within. As they were heading towards the exit, they were ambushed as Frederick, a Nifgaardian commander, came in and knock Lekrin down to the ground. He swung his sword upward and forced Lekrin's staff to be released from his hand.
Frederick has long black hair reaching down his neck, his face is of an elder man yet he was able to move like a young teenage kid. He wears a full plate armor with a logo of a sun on the chest area of his armor and a winged helmet. His bodyguards which numbers 6 behind him wear the same thing. He smirks down at Lekrin and says, "Na keo sulh lu, Begonii. Fros nas!"
"You come too late, Begnionion! It is done!" is what was translated from Nilfgaardian.
After these words, Frederick charges at Lekrin with his sword but Lekrin was quick enough to grab his staff and force Frederick and his bodyguard in stand back. Lekrin demands an answer, "Where is your master!?"
Frederick snarls and tries to approach but is force back by Lekrin's magic as Lekrin shout at him, 'Where is he?!'
"Et unisaso... Unca oshnash!" Frederick answers and translated to 'He is everywhere... We are legions!'
Lekrin walks back and felt as he is on the edge. He looks down to see a most terrifying thing ever. Rank of rank of men, deadly armed and battle harden with beasts of destruction. There may be horses and camels but there are others such as dire wolves, wargs, wolves, berserkers(man turned into bear with a potion), and other various creatures like trolls, cyclopes, and giants.
Lekrin looks back at Frederick who states, "Fros kanei" translating, 'It is over.'
Frederick went to attack but Lekrin plunge his staff, blinding everyone with light and disappear with Garon. Frederick look around and shouts, "Orth e du!"
What he say is 'Run them down!'
Lekrin and Garon begin running and running as dire wolves and feral laguz were charging at them with their mounts. The captains were always on the feral laguz due to their strength.
Lekrin smashes the pillars as they got to the bridge, causing parts to crumble and fall down, crushing the feral laguz and the dire wolves on their path and destroying the bridge. In the distance, Frederick roars and both Garon and Lekrin continue to run to escape.
As they run, they run onto a larger bridge and suddenly, a voice sounds out of the darkness. In front of them is a massive cloud of shadow that is preventing them to escape. The shadow speaks in not in Nilfgaardian but in Kuei Ryuian, "Méiyǒu guāng, shǔ wěi cǎo... Néng dǎbài wǒ de fēngkuáng."
It's translated to, 'There is no light, sage... that can defeat my madness.'
Garon panic, "It's him."
Lekrin prepares for a duel as Garon look at the Begnion sage and asks, "Go to Nohr. Tell my children I love them." Garon pleaded. "Will you do that? Will you tell my sons and daughters that I love them?"
"You will tell them yourself." Lekrin replies, promise to get them out of alive. Him being trained by the most powerful magic user in the globe, he's confident of defeating this shadow. He's prepared to see how powerful this Shadow of Tiberius is.
"It is too late." Garon answered softly as the tendrils of smoke whip out from the shadow. It was quick and in deadly speed, it grasp onto Garon. It was painful as Garon could feel a surge of burns as he was pulled and dragged in by the shadow and disappeared from sight.
Lekrin gasped in surprise of what he just witness. He look in terror as he raise his staff and forms a protective circular shield of light around himself, about 100 meters in diameter. Tendrils of darkening shadow tries to pierce the shield, but the shield is strong as if Lekrin can't tell if the Shadow is trying as the shadow continues to pound the shied. Lekrin struggles to hold on much longer as his shield gets smaller and the shadow continues to pound on it.
Lekrin yells, making his shield grow larger back in size again. However, the shadow went to his quarter strength and easily break the shield like if the shield is nothing but a thin glass and the strength of the shadow is strong enough to shake the world and disintegrate the bridge in front of Lekrin. Lekrin opens his eyes in shock as he is pushed back.
Lekrin holds his staff up to protect himself and his eyes widen as the shadow begins to show itself. The person in the shadow is a shape of a muscular man in a fiery appearance. Not only was the person shows but the entire shadow turned into a wreath of flames.
Lekrin looked on in horror when the flames turn into a more defined shape like a helmet looks like a dragon helmet was held at the side, then slowly begin to show a black armor and the transform into a taller man. As the burning figure approaches Lekrin, the staff of the sage started to burn and disintegrates away to nothing but ash. How is it possible? His staff was blessed by Lehran so how on Earth would his staff be destroyed? Divine magic against his opponent.
Lekrin scream as he feels like he's being grabbed as the flaming figure is only like 10 feet away. He was picked up into the air and then slam them down on the stone 15 feet high. Pain and suffering is what he's enduring as the flaming figure hurl him into a wall and hold him there as the wall around and the bridge crumbles and falls in the presence of the flaming figure still 10 feet away from Lekrin, never move any part of its body.
Lekrin starts to get a better look of the Shadow of Tiberius as the flames around it explodes. It gave out a most obvious hint on who it was as in a blink of a second was there blue short hair with a murderous smile and spikey shoulder armor. It's a Daein armor and Lekrin quickly recognized it.
"Ashnard." Lekrin moaned out his name, recognizing the Shadow of Tiberius for what he really was. The former Mad King Ashnard turns into a specter. A powerful demon that in theory in a book. Lekrin concludes that Ashnard had the power to rival even Ashera from 600 years ago which Lekrin is only an infant.
Yep, I decided who my true antagonist is. It's not going to be Tiberius. And Garon in this one is not the water demon. It's the real Garon.